James O’Keefe to New York Times reporter: ‘How can I be sure you’ll be objective and accurate?’

The New York Times MagazineWhen Zev Chafets met James O’Keefe to profile him, the provocateur known for his undercover video stings of ACORN and NPR said, “You’re from The New York Times … How can I be sure you’ll be objective and accurate?” The journalist responded, “The same way I can be sure you’re not filming this conversation.” Chafets writes, “O’Keefe assured me that he would never do such a thing. I assured him that my article would be a model of journalistic rectitude. I think it is fair to say that neither of us was fully convinced, then or in our subsequent encounters.” || Related: The Blaze’s Scott Baker says the key question about O’Keefe’s sting videos is, “Is it okay to tell any lie if it creates an outcome that you find enlightening or amusing?” || Earlier:What James O’Keefe knows about media

But you consider the NYT a news organization, right? You have a great sense of humor!

Anonymous

Very weak…O’Keefe should have openned the interview with..”…The NYT is a corrupt news organization totally politically in the tank for Obama and the Socialists. You’re a disgrace and I’ve decided not to continue this interview.”

Anonymous

Yup, a lot more. Why does that bother you?

Anonymous

In light of the NYTimes recent track record, it’s a perfectly logical question for O’Keefe to ask. It’s interesting how the media goes after O’Keefe who lays no claim to being a journalist, but is perfectly willing to let these various frauds go uninvestigated and unreported.

According to the most recent poll on this kind of thing by the Hill (ignored by Poynter?) the public distrusts the media and knows they are biased in favor Dems so of course conservatives have been burned too many times by the press and need to be skeptical.

Anonymous

Always the sharp and sober commentator, Dan.

Anonymous

Yes, Virginia, more than 5 conservatives read Romenesko.

Anonymous

Q: “Is it okay to tell any lie if it creates an outcome that you find enlightening or amusing?”

This comment would be easier to follow if it were accompanied by a buffoon org chart.

Anonymous

The Blaze, Baker and Glenn Beck have thrown their conservative followers and readers under the bus.

O’Keefe is not a mainstream journalist — he is a filmmaker and outrageous humorist — and busting fraud at Medicaid offices and ACORN is a dirty job. The fact that government workers were ready to fund “Russian” drug kingpins is outrageous. I couldn’t believe they fell for this.

Baker and Beck and the Blaze weenies don’t seem to comprehend the O’Keefe is more akin to Michael Moore or a conservative Allan Funt – with fewer Oscars but a helluva lot more results. (Getting ACORN defunded; exposing OUTRAGEOUS Medicaid fraud — O’Keefe deserves a Civilian Medal of Honor. Gosh, the guy is like the long-awaited reply to Bill Maher and Michael Moore’s smug letist perch within the general media.)

But no, Blaze weenies — I do not consider O’Keefe a mainstream journalist. This claim only exists in your own minds, and O’Keefe doesn’t want the title.

And will Beck Inc. ever have credibility (just with his own base of followers) again? Between this and the dispute with Breitbart sites? Proll’y not.